Thank you Andy.
I had wondered why my enthusiasm to read RadCom had been somewhat reduced
recently. Then after Andy's mail I looked through the current edition and found
not a single constructional article. Thank you for the wake up call.
There was a time when, certainly when Mike G3XDV was editor, when technical
articles were backed up and you had to wait months for something to appear. I
wonder if that is still the case but that they are just not being
published?
Re 500kHz. Sourcing parts for a project is a big problem for an
individual and although this is a personal opinion. I think anyone wishing to
give 500kHz a shove towards popularity needs to do 2 things.
1) Design a transmitter that represents a moderately 21st engineering
but without including so many extras you need a mortgage or a several weeks and
a binocular microscope to build it.
2) Having done that, be prepared to invest in some PCBs and key components
for the design. Or be prepared to supply complete kits.
This process has worked well for the microwave operator with G4DDK G3WDG
and Andy all producing reliable designs giving access to bands where no
comercial equipment exists.
Of course, something working against this process at present is that 500kHz
is only with us at the 100mW level and the NOV is limited to March 2008.
Maybe, if that sitaution changes.....1W and permanent access would be
nice....then the designs and kits will appear.
Standalone CW TX ? Transmit converter from HF?
Something software definable?
Maybe a simple DDS that could generate CW or PSK or FSK modulation.
Plenty of ideas on the wish list, but only if the band carries on beyond
03/08.
So many things to do, so little time.
73
David G0MRF
How about writing a few
letters to the editor about the appalling
tabloid route the Radcomic is
taking?
Giles (editor) himself is a bit concerned about the route
the comic
is moving, but I get the feeling he is being pushed by the RSGB
Mafia,
sorry the Board. The two job titles that used to run the
magazine
were "Editor" and "Technical Editor" now
they are "Managing
Editor" and "Features Editor" . That sez it
all!
Andy G4JNT
